Humanitarian Daily Rations: The Need for Evaluation and Guidelines

Author: Sklaver, Ben

Source: Disasters, Volume 27, Number 3, September 2003 , pp. 259-271(13)

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Abstract:

Over 13 million Humanitarian Daily Rations (HDRs) have been distributed by NGOs, international organisations and the US military since 1993. In that time, not a single technical end-user study of HDRs has been published. Nor have practical guidelines been established for HDR distribution or use. This paper seeks to establish a baseline of knowledge concerning HDRs, surveying their history, composition and distribution. Criticisms of the ration are reviewed. A comprehensive evaluation is required to understand and improve HDR distribution, end-use, perceptions, design and nutritional contents. HDRs must also be added to technical guidelines on planning nutritionally adequate rations.

Keywords: Humanitarian Daily Rations (HDRs); Department of Defense; study; evaluation; guidelines

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1467-7717.00232

Affiliations: 1: Tufts University

Publication date: 2003-09-01